INTRODUCTION

Strategic planning is a systematic process to develop and implement strategies that achieve an organization's goals and objectives.

 As an intern at Community Engagement, University of Johannesburg, I applied strategic planning principles to develop and execute the Woman Empowerment event. Through situation analysis, I identified key stakeholders and community needs. I defined objectives, developed strategies, and allocated resources to achieve impactful outcomes.

 Defining the Situation

The Community Engagement Unit, as the third pillar of the University of Johannesburg, strives to establish enduring trust and collaboration with its local community by actively participating in organized outreach services like academic support, food, and clothing donations. Nevertheless, there is sometimes a lack of student involvement in community service initiatives. UJ Community Engagement seeks to attract more students to engage in community service, emphasizing that it not only benefits the community but also offers valuable opportunities and experiences.

Objectives

The unit's objectives encompass two primary goals:

1.  To contribute to the welfare of communities by serving humanity in the spirit of Ubuntu.

2.  To provide targeted teaching and learning through curriculum-based assessments that are accredited

These assessments enable UJ students to engage in structured weekly outreach activities tailored to specific community needs and to reflect on these experiences.

 Message

The message of the Community Engagement Unit revolves around empowering young individuals, inspiring change, and contributing to the community through various components, including service learning, community-based research, and organized outreach. The unit tailors its messages according to specific workshops or events, ensuring that they consistently focus on topics that empower youth through organized. 

As an intern, I actively participated in meetings and workshops to contribute to the Community Engagement department's strategic planning process. I helped to gather data, analyze trends, and identify key areas for improvement. For example, I researched local community needs and conducted surveys to understand the priorities of potential partner organizations. This research contributed to the department's strategic plan by informing the selection of key initiatives and resource allocation for the upcoming year

I played a significant role in developing a program focused on empowering women in the community. I conducted research on existing programs and best practices, and collaborated with colleagues to identify program goals and objectives. My role included drafting program outlines, designing curriculum content, and suggesting potential partnerships with local organizations to enhance program delivery. This experience demonstrated my ability to contribute to strategic planning at the program level, ensuring that the initiative aligned with the department's overall objectives.

The Women Empowerment event directly contributed to the University of Johannesburg's Community Engagement department's strategic objective of fostering women's empowerment. The event provided a platform for women to gain access to resources, knowledge, and networks that could help them advance their personal and professional goals. By aligning the event with this broader objective, we ensured that it contributed to the department's mission of creating positive social change.

The event also helped to build relationships with key stakeholders in the community, including women's organizations, government agencies, and local businesses. These relationships are crucial for the department's success in achieving its long-term objectives. By creating opportunities for collaboration and partnership, the event further reinforced the department's commitment to working with diverse stakeholders to address critical social issues. Furthermore, the event facilitated networking opportunities for participants, connecting them with other women in the community who shared similar interests and goals. This networking component was crucial for building a sense of community and support among women, creating a platform for collaboration and mutual empowerment. By aligning the event with specific program objectives, we ensured that it was a valuable tool for achieving the initiative's goals and making a meaningful contribution to the lives of women in the community.